Project Officer - Finance and Budget
Lead financial planning and management for the METIAH project
Overview
Lead financial planning and management for the METIAH project
You have:
- Proven track record on budget preparation, tracking, revision, analysis of expenditures, and forecast is required.
- Technical training in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics or equivalent, is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in preparing financial reports and overviews is required.
- Previous experience in the same role in an international or local organization, including working with donors, is a distinct advantage.
- Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages
- Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools is an advantage.
- Knowledge of project management processes is an advantage.
- Knowledge of procurement procedures of national/international organizations is an advantage.
- Professional certificate(s) attesting to the proficiency on finance, budget, financial analysis, and similar, are an asset.
Contract
This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.
UNDP and Pristina Municipality have entered into a collaborative agreement to manage and implement the “Modernizing Education through Innovation and Heritage” (METIAH) project. The primary aim is to comprehensively redevelop and transform the Germia and Tulltorja buildings into multifunctional spaces that align with modern standards and cater to a variety of community and cultural needs. The planned works include significant reconstruction and refurbishment of the existing structures, enhancing their utility and functionality.
UNDP is committed to integrating modern and innovative technologies throughout the redevelopment. A key component of the project is its educational initiative, which involves procuring smart boards, IoT sensors for schools and kindergartens, and tablets for both primary and secondary level students and teachers. This will enable virtual access to the facilities in Germia and Tulltorja, creating an enriching educational experience. Additionally, the project includes the development of an e-wallet application designed to enhance digital service delivery for users. Together, these efforts will foster a vibrant community hub that supports learning, cultural engagement, and innovation.
The project aligns with Kosovo’s development strategy, which emphasizes cultural heritage preservation, sustainable economic growth, and social inclusion. The revitalization of the building supports these priorities by creating a modern, multifunctional space that promotes cultural activities, tourism, and community engagement. At a regional level, the project contributes to the Balkan region’s goals of enhancing cultural cooperation and economic integration. By transforming the building into a landmark destination, the project fosters regional tourism and cultural exchange, contributing to broader regional development objectives. The project also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and employment; and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by empowering and promoting social, economic, and political inclusion
References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Lead budget planning and preparation, ensuring compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP). • Maintain budgets and resource availability tables; analyze monthly financial reports to summarize project financial situations. • Prepare and modify project budgets, coordinating budget re-phasing exercises and follow up on financial transactions with the UNDP office. • Implement internal controls and a donor-oriented financial resources management system to ensure effective financial monitoring. • Assist the METIAH team in daily management and oversight of project activities, ensuring timely execution of assigned processes. • Facilitate the preparation of documents for vendor registration and invoice processing in the Quantum system. • Support project planning, monitoring, and evaluation activities, reviewing requests for compliance and proposing actions for decision-making. • Ensure timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers and maintain proper control of supporting documents for payments and financial reports. • Prepare periodic financial reports and statements; monitor expenditures against established allocations. • Investigate anomalies in financial exception reports and ensure systematic archiving of documents. • Maintain financing and fund agreements, following up on contributions for resource mobilization. • Assist in organizing events, meetings, and missions; process travel claims and entitlements. • Maintain project documentation and work plans; support the project team in preparing annual work plans and procurement plans. • Collaborate with the Project Manager to update the inventory list and assist in purchasing project equipment. • Prepare for project audits and implement audit recommendations; ensure compliance with financial rules and processes. • Monitor the development of control mechanisms for projects, ensuring adherence to budgets and financial regulations.
• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
accounting, financial management, project management and administration, project finances and other related fields. Proven track record on budget preparation, tracking, revision, analysis of expenditures, and forecast is required. Technical training in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics or equivalent, is highly desirable; Proven experience in preparing financial reports and overviews is required. Previous experience in the same role in an international or local organization, including working with donors, is a distinct advantage. Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools is an advantage. Knowledge of project management processes is an advantage. Knowledge of procurement procedures of national / international organizations is an advantage Professional certificate(s) attesting to the proficiency on finance, budget, financial analysis, and similar, are an asset.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in UNDP Kosovo. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator
For information specific to this assignment please see below: • Monthly Living Allowance (Per month) EUR 717.00 • Entry lump sum (onetime payment) USD: 400 • Relocation costs: $200 at beginning and end of assignment if duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV) • Exit allowance (for each month served, EUR 59.75 paid on completion of contract) • Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources • Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents • Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month, Certified sick leave: 30 days, Uncertified sick leave: 7 days. Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months and Maternity / Paternity leave.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to prepare a budget under tight deadlines? | This assesses your ability to manage time and resources effectively. | Give a specific example, emphasizing your planning process and eventual outcome. |
| How do you ensure compliance with financial policies in your previous roles? | The interviewer wants to understand your approach to regulatory adherence and financial ethics. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you identified a financial anomaly. What steps did you take? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use for effective project monitoring? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you explain the importance of community engagement in project management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |